Disneyland Caters To Gluten Intolerance

[Looking for answers]

I just wanted to let everyone know that I went to Disneyland today for the first time since going gluten-free and discovered that they cater to gluten intolerance, which was a huge relief. The next time you visit any park, just stop by City Hall and ask for their gluten free guide. They will provide you with all of your options and the names of their chefs and restaurant managers to ask for when placing your order. The chef at the restaurant we visited was amazing. He cooked my fries in a separate fryer and made my hamburger with a gluten-free bun. It was yummy! Plus, he was super nice and personally delivered my food and apologized for the extra wait. Go Disney!!!

[Sweetfudge]

I just wanted to let everyone know that I went to Disneyland today for the first time since going gluten-free and discovered that they cater to gluten intolerance, which was a huge relief. The next time you visit any park, just stop by City Hall and ask for their gluten free guide. They will provide you with all of your options and the names of their chefs and restaurant managers to ask for when placing your order. The chef at the restaurant we visited was amazing. He cooked my fries in a separate fryer and made my hamburger with a gluten-free bun. It was yummy! Plus, he was super nice and personally delivered my food and apologized for the extra wait. Go Disney!!!

hm, i was just there and my experience wasn't as great as i thought it would be. the city hall guy just told me that i needed to talk to whatever chef of the restaurant i was going to be eating at and see what they could do. i went to the buffet place, and the chef said he would cook me up some gluten-free mashed potatoes, and that the chicken only had spices on it. i thought he meant to get my plate of food, and he'd bring out some potatoes. so i got the chicken and the veggies. thankfully i didn't trust the chicken, so i peeled off the skin. twenty minutes later, he came out w/ a plate of boring chicken and potatoes. i didn't get sick, but was rather frustrated at the lack of communication. guess i'll have to try the burger place next time!

[annacsmom]

Thanks for the info. We are planning a trip there in March, and although we've been going for several years, this is the first time gluten free. I went on Disney's website and I emailed a Chef Chris and he promptly replied that he would like to talk personally on the phone. Did you actually get a printout of all gluten free good available in the park, including the little kiosks? Part of out Disney experience has always been about the food, so I hope it turns out that there are lots of options.

[hez]

Chef Chris is wonderful and very helpful. We went last year and had a great experience. I got sick but it was my own fault (first afternoon I forgot my list of safe places to eat). I had a wonderful time and cannot wait to go back!

Hez

[Guhlia]

Is this Disneyland in CA that you guys are talking about?

[Looking for answers]

Thanks for the info. We are planning a trip there in March, and although we've been going for several years, this is the first time gluten free. I went on Disney's website and I emailed a Chef Chris and he promptly replied that he would like to talk personally on the phone. Did you actually get a printout of all gluten free good available in the park, including the little kiosks? Part of out Disney experience has always been about the food, so I hope it turns out that there are lots of options.

City Hall (at Disneyland, to the left once you enter the gates) gave me a print out of everything available at the park gluten free. The guide included the names of chefs and restaurant managers to ask for as well!

[Looking for answers]

Is this Disneyland in CA that you guys are talking about?

Yes, but the castmember said they provide guides at each of their parks.

[LL04]

Okay, so we went to Disneyland in October of this year (well 2006) and found them to be extremely UNHELPFUL!!! I am a Celiac whose reactions are so devastating that I cannot eat out anywhere PERIOD. I took a bunch of food with me and a rolling cooler.

First day we get to the security check point and they would not permit us under ANY circumstances to bring in the cooler EVEN after we explained why I needed it. We had to go out and buy two little coolers at the local Target and put my food in that which didn't work very well because the cold packs took up most of the space I needed for my food. So needless to say, on day 1, I didn't eat.

The next day I tried to get my food heated up in a couple different restaurants' micros and both managers said the same thing "No way". They are not permitted to take any food that they did not make themselves over the counter and into their kitchen areas. But, if I wanted to walk ALL the way back to Mainstreet I could "see" if they would heat my food up in the bottle warmer micro in the parents room (how convenient....NOT! I have 4 kids I was trying to feed at the same time). The employee at the Parents room was VERY HESITANT to allow me to use the micro and insisted on inspecting what it was that I wanted to heat up...oh yes, a very dangerous prepackaged bowl of SEALED microwavable PLAIN rice!!!! How ridiculous is that??!!! She very reluctantly, finally let me use it.

Once again, we had to change our game plan and quickly the next morning go to Whole foods and pick up some Thai Kitchen instant noodles which I prayed to heavens I wouldn't get sick from, and that's what I lived on for the next 4 days....YAHOO!! If you can believe it, even providing hot water directly into the noodle bowl from the spiggot seemed to be too much for some of the restaurant staff. One employee was very exasperated and asked me why couldn't I just have the hot water in a mug. When I explained that even a small minute bread crumb would make me pass out she looked at me like I must be lying. So guess what....trip #2 to Target and this time we bought a thermos so that we could boil water in the hotel micro in the morning and then take it to the park so I could have hot water when I needed it. That wasn't too inconvenient or heavy...no not at all!!!

At no time did any employee suggest anyone I might be able to talk to, to try and help with my situation or try and point me in the right direction at least. They all seemed very put out and acted like they wished I would just go away even though I was being extremely nice considering the circumstances!

That was one of the WORST experiences of my life! So the moral of this story...don't go to Disney if you can't dine out because they will not accomodate you!

Good luck to all you others that risk getting glutenized and have fun!

[Sweetfudge]

City Hall (at Disneyland, to the left once you enter the gates) gave me a print out of everything available at the park gluten free. The guide included the names of chefs and restaurant managers to ask for as well!

When I asked for this printout - mentioning that I had been told by other Disneyland visitors that they had one - the desk guy said all they had was a list for other allergies (soy, milk, etc). But NOTHING gluten-free....I was very frustrated. Add the misunderstanding with the chef about the chicken (that almost glutened me...)...I was quite disappointed w/ disney. Does anyone have a copy of that guide? I think it would be more helpful to post it here than to tell people to ask about it, as some of the employees are ignorant to its existance.

[Looking for answers]

When I asked for this printout - mentioning that I had been told by other Disneyland visitors that they had one - the desk guy said all they had was a list for other allergies (soy, milk, etc). But NOTHING gluten-free....I was very frustrated. Add the misunderstanding with the chef about the chicken (that almost glutened me...)...I was quite disappointed w/ disney. Does anyone have a copy of that guide? I think it would be more helpful to post it here than to tell people to ask about it, as some of the employees are ignorant to its existance.

I have a hard copy of the guide. I will have to re-type it so I can copy and paste it here. When I have some time, I will definitely do that for everyone. My experience was so great that I hope everyone can have the same if they have the needed info.

[Looking for answers]

That was one of the WORST experiences of my life! So the moral of this story...don't go to Disney if you can't dine out because they will not accomodate you!

Good luck to all you others that risk getting glutenized and have fun!

I can't speak to bringing in my own food because I acutally purchased mine there, and I had a great experience. Note to other readers: I worked at Disneyland through college and can tell you that they have never allowed large coolers in the park. There is a picnic area that I've used on many, many occasions just outside of the park to the left of the main enterance, and the lockers near it will accomodate a large cooler. Also, for anyone who has a frustrating experience like this, I recommend that you speak to City Hall. Based on my experience (and former training) they will do just about anything to help visitors with their needs. You just may need to ask for a restaurant manager or chef. Oh, this goes for the hotels, too. Best of luck!

[dlp252]

You just may need to ask for a restaurant manager or chef. Oh, this goes for the hotels, too. Best of luck!

Yep, I just got back from Disneyworld in Orlando...we stayed at one of the Disney property hotels which didn't have a restaurant, but DID have a food court. I was a bit nervous to eat there, but figured I'd just get a hamburger patty. On the first night there, I ordered the patty, and she asked if I wanted french fries to which I replied "are they made in a dedicated fryer" to which she then asked if I had allergies. I said yes and so she brought the chef out, who was able to confirm that it was dedicated, but just in case, they cooked ALL my food in the back. The chef also went on to list all the stuff she could make for me for breakfast, lunch and dinner for my remaining days.

For breakfast the next morning I had the most delicious gluten/dairy free pancakes with real maple syrup and bacon. It was fantastic. For lunch they made a hamburger on gluten-free bun.

I was so thrilled at the whole experience. I did take some energy bars and nuts with me and carried those into the park...but I actually found eating in the park kiosks to be a good experience as well.

I'm so sorry that some of you had such bad experiences.

[2Boys4Me]

We went to Disneyland in December and had no problems at all. We didn't try to take a lot of food on to the park though. A container of pudding or an apple or something and simply pointed at my son and said that he was on a restricted diet and needed to have something handy in case of emergency.

I took a printout from my local association and also picked up some info at City Hall. We did run into a problem at the Plaza Inn when the hostess said they had no gluten-free pancakes, only a $23.99 breakfast buffet - reservations required. I whipped out my sheet from City Hall and said, "Well, according to this you do have gluten-free pancakes, let me speak to a supervisor please." We ended up getting 6 big Mickey Mouse pancakes, 2 packets of syrup, 6 pats of butter, a bunch of grapes and a slice each of pineapple, honeydew and watermelon. For $4.28! I'm sure the price was because he didn't know what to charge, but he went out of his way to get us the food. I'm not sure if it was because it was for a child or not, but the supervisor did mention that his wife was on a gluten-free diet.

______________________________________

From the Calgary Celiac Association website:

Disneyland

[jayhawkmom]

We are going to Disneyworld in December (2007) and I've been working very closely with a Disney agent. She's helping me navigate the process of how to assure a safe and enjoyable trip.

I don't know about Disneyland, but DisneyWORLD is extremely accommodating. I've read nothing but terrific reviews. But, of course... planning ahead is KEY.

I will have all my advanced reservations made 180 days out from the trip. All of our reservation paperwork indicates we are a family of gluten intols - and I've been told that I will be provided with phone numbers for the head chefs in each park.

I was told that I'd be permitted to bring small snacks (ie: ziploc baggie of pretzels, cornchips...things like that) into the park, in my diaper bag. But, bringing large amounts of food, drinks, a cooler, or anything else like that is off limits, regardless.

I hope our experience is a good one. I'm really counting on it. I feel sad for those of you who have not had good experiences at the happiest place on earth.

[pinktulip]

Okay, so we went to Disneyland in October of this year (well 2006) and found them to be extremely UNHELPFUL!!! I am a Celiac whose reactions are so devastating that I cannot eat out anywhere PERIOD. I took a bunch of food with me and a rolling cooler.

First day we get to the security check point and they would not permit us under ANY circumstances to bring in the cooler EVEN after we explained why I needed it. We had to go out and buy two little coolers at the local Target and put my food in that which didn't work very well because the cold packs took up most of the space I needed for my food. So needless to say, on day 1, I didn't eat.

The next day I tried to get my food heated up in a couple different restaurants' micros and both managers said the same thing "No way". They are not permitted to take any food that they did not make themselves over the counter and into their kitchen areas. But, if I wanted to walk ALL the way back to Mainstreet I could "see" if they would heat my food up in the bottle warmer micro in the parents room (how convenient....NOT! I have 4 kids I was trying to feed at the same time). The employee at the Parents room was VERY HESITANT to allow me to use the micro and insisted on inspecting what it was that I wanted to heat up...oh yes, a very dangerous prepackaged bowl of SEALED microwavable PLAIN rice!!!! How ridiculous is that??!!! She very reluctantly, finally let me use it.

Once again, we had to change our game plan and quickly the next morning go to Whole foods and pick up some Thai Kitchen instant noodles which I prayed to heavens I wouldn't get sick from, and that's what I lived on for the next 4 days....YAHOO!! If you can believe it, even providing hot water directly into the noodle bowl from the spiggot seemed to be too much for some of the restaurant staff. One employee was very exasperated and asked me why couldn't I just have the hot water in a mug. When I explained that even a small minute bread crumb would make me pass out she looked at me like I must be lying. So guess what....trip #2 to Target and this time we bought a thermos so that we could boil water in the hotel micro in the morning and then take it to the park so I could have hot water when I needed it. That wasn't too inconvenient or heavy...no not at all!!!

At no time did any employee suggest anyone I might be able to talk to, to try and help with my situation or try and point me in the right direction at least. They all seemed very put out and acted like they wished I would just go away even though I was being extremely nice considering the circumstances!

That was one of the WORST experiences of my life! So the moral of this story...don't go to Disney if you can't dine out because they will not accomodate you!

Good luck to all you others that risk getting glutenized and have fun!

I would write to Disney Land. I worked for Walt Disney World in Orlando and actully took classes every 6 months (3 hour classes) on keeping up with the latest in food allergies. However the hot water thing got started becuase people used to take the hot water and pour it directly into a babies bottle and then give it directly to a baby. At least that was Disney World's policy. I actully saw a woman do this once and burned the child's mouth so bad.

I'm appalled you had such a visit and know if the managers I had in Florida knew about this the people you interacted with would get written up and possibly fired.

[gf4life]

We will be going to Disneyland in April with a large group (my daughter will be in a dance competition there) and I plan to get in touch with a park representative as soon as I know what Hotel we will be staying in. We haven't been there since being gluten free, and with 4 of us gluten-free, we will need a lot of food.

I plan to take snacks with us, but not a big cooler or anything like that. I have been to a lot of other parks in California (Knott's Berry Farm, Sea World, Legoland, Bonfante Gardens, and at least 3 big Zoos) with little problem bringing in food. At one place it was funny. They checked my bag and didn't care that it was full of food, as long as it wasn't "sandwiches". Good thing I hadn't packed any gluten-free sandwiches! Otherwise they would have confiscated them!

I don't figure I will have too many problems. I will do my homework ahead of time and try to have a lot of the planning done before we get there. I am going to see if they can have a gluten free birthday cake made for her to have a party with her dance friends. Her birthday will happen while we are there and I hope to make it a very special occasion.

[dlp252]

I don't figure I will have too many problems. I will do my homework ahead of time and try to have a lot of the planning done before we get there. I am going to see if they can have a gluten free birthday cake made for her to have a party with her dance friends. Her birthday will happen while we are there and I hope to make it a very special occasion.

I'll bet they can...the chef (in DisneyWORLD though) told me she'd make me gluten-free brownies if I wanted her to, so a cake wouldn't be that far off. And, I know that she had a pre-made pancake mix that was gluten free.

[LL04]

I would write to Disney Land. I worked for Walt Disney World in Orlando and actully took classes every 6 months (3 hour classes) on keeping up with the latest in food allergies. However the hot water thing got started becuase people used to take the hot water and pour it directly into a babies bottle and then give it directly to a baby. At least that was Disney World's policy. I actully saw a woman do this once and burned the child's mouth so bad.

I thought about writing but I've been very sick since returning (I got to spend Christmas IN the hospital) so this is the first I've actually been well enough to get to a computer at all.

I think everyone here has the idea that I had this big huge cooler, but I didn't. It is a rolling cooler but it's soft sided, collapsable and it is the size of say 1.5 cubic feet. When I was in the park itself I saw SEVERAL people with coolers the same size only they were carrying theirs over their shoulders!!! As for the hot water thing, well, I was asking them to put it directly into the noodle bowl...no baby bottles here, but it didn't make a difference.

Anyways, I'm glad that Disney accomodates those who CAN and DO take the risk of dining away from home, but my comments were mainly for those Celiac's like myself who CANNOT and NEVER do. I had no choice but to take a larger cooler into the park to carry the food I would be needing from the time the park opened until it closed. We knew we wouldn't be going back anytime soon so we wanted to make every moment count so having to leave the park everytime I needed to eat, was just not an option for us and nor could we afford, with 4 children, to stay in a Disney hotel in the park.

Like I said, it would have been nice if JUST ONE employee would have stepped up and offered to help out in some way, shape or form.

I hope all you others have better luck than me.

Lauralee

[pinktulip]

I thought about writing but I've been very sick since returning (I got to spend Christmas IN the hospital) so this is the first I've actually been well enough to get to a computer at all.

Lauralee

It is never too late to write. If you can remember the exact dates (times are even more helpful) they can pinpoint thew people there at that time and such.

[goofy01girl]

I also had a great experience with Disneyland. They go out of their way to cater for people and their needs, As long as its in reason. I would expect to bring a weeks worth of food into the place and expect them to allow me to use their kitchen to prepare it. There is sanitation laws they have to go by. But there chiefs go out of the way to make sure it

[amber-rose]

I'm going to Disneyland in 10 days. Anything else I should know about??...or extra tips to keep safe?

[Looking for answers]

I'm going to Disneyland in 10 days. Anything else I should know about??...or extra tips to keep safe?

I'm working on getting the gluten free guide mailed to me. I'll get to you as soon as it arrives, I promise!

[amber-rose]

I'm working on getting the gluten free guide mailed to me. I'll get to you as soon as it arrives, I promise!

Okay! Thank you! It will definitely help a lot!

& should I call Chef Chris & tell him that I'm coming or not?

[2Boys4Me]

Check out post #13 on this thread. It's not the exact mail-out or sheet from City Hall, but darned close.

I believe Chef Chris's phone number or email is there as well.

FWIW, when I called Chef Chris was on vacation and the chef who was covering for him had phone restrictions (?) and couldn't call me back (because I'm in Canada?) and he directed me to City Hall. All the info is in the handout.

[LL04]

I also had a great experience with Disneyland. They go out of their way to cater for people and their needs, As long as its in reason. I would expect to bring a weeks worth of food into the place and expect them to allow me to use their kitchen to prepare it. There is sanitation laws they have to go by. But there chiefs go out of the way to make sure it